Method and apparatus for biophilically promoting patient relaxation, for reducing physical and/or psychological patient stress and for expediting patient recovery

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that promotes patient relaxation, reduces patient stress, and/or expedites patient recovery, in a health care facility or home-based convalescent environment. The apparatus includes a substantially glare-free visual display device with one or more open, natural, serene and, preferably, savanna-like landscape pictures. Such pictures, including large size high resolution photo-realistic images, are displayed by means of a substantially glare-free display device, such as a flexible panel of fabric material positioned near a hospital bed or a like item of furniture, in close proximity to the patient so as to give the patient the perception of being in a natural and biophilic setting. In certain embodiments of the invention, the biophilic picture is removably attached to a movable wall, partition or hospital curtain structure which forms at least part of an enclosure substantially around at least part of the hospital bed. Such embodiments are designed to meet all relevant health care codes and standards in regard to fire retardancy and hygiene. The patient&#39;s experience of viewing the biophilic visual image may be enhanced by augmenting the visual installation with the playing of audio recordings of substantially natural sounds and/or providing a means to broadcast appropriate natural aromatic scents into the patient&#39;s immediate environment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of methods anddevices for promoting patient recovery; more particularly, the presentinvention concerns methods and apparatuses used to expose patients toappropriately selected visual stimuli which promote patient recovery inintimate settings in hospital room environments and like settings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Positive psychological and physiological responses are elicited inhumans by visual exposure to pleasing landscape images such as picturesof spatially open natural landscapes. (Roger S. Ulrich, 1993,"Biophilia, Biophobia and Natural Landscapes", Chapter 3, pages 73-137,in: Stephen R. Kellert and Edward O. Wilson editors, The BiophiliaHypothesis, Island Press, Washington, D.C.). The preferred landscapeimage is a savanna-type landscape. By definition, a savanna-typelandscape is a "grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps oftrees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest"(Eugene P. Odum, 1971, Fundamentals of Ecology, Third Edition, W. B.Saunders Company, Philadelphia, Pa.).

In one of his seminal and theoretical works, renowned evolutionarybiologist Edward O. Wilson (1984), Biophilia: The Human Bond with OtherSpecies, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass.) suggests thathumans are genetically predisposed to respond positively (biophilically)to savanna-like landscapes. After the publication of Wilson's seminalwork on island biogeography (Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson,1967, The Theory of Island Biogeography, Princeton University Press,Princeton, N.J.) and his expansive synthesis on sociobiology (Edward O.Wilson, 1975, Sociobiology: The New Synthesis, Harvard University Press,Cambridge, Mass.), biologists and others wrote many papers,dissertations and books on these topics of modern bioscience. Like theresponses by the bioscientific community to his 1967 and 1975 works,Wilson's 1984 publication of Biophilia: The Human Bond with OtherSpecies has prompted the writing of many scientific papers by a widediversity of authorities. Among these works on biophilia are two papersespecially relevant to the present invention: the aforecited "Biophilia,Biophobia and Natural Landscapes" by Ulrich, and "Humans, Habitats, andAesthetics" by Judith H. Heerwagen and Gordon H. Orians (1993, Chapter4, pages 138-172, in Stephen R. Kellert and Edward O. Wilson, editors,The Biophilia Hypothesis, Island Press, Washington, D.C.).

The biophilic theory of Wilson supports the belief that naturalselection favored the survival of paleohominids (ancestors of modernhumans, Homo sapiens) genetically predisposed to inhabiting landscapesdominated by plant life forming vegetation having a physiognomy of asavanna. Such ancestral hominids are viewed as having innate aversionsto desert, densely forested and like landscapes generally less favorableto paleohominid survival than savannas. Human evolution is believed tohave occurred substantially within tropical savannas in Africa.Predation, food-availability and other selection pressures weregenerally more favorable to human survival and evolution within thesetropical savannas than in other kinds of African landscapes (such astropical rain forest, mountainous, desert and like environments).Selection promoted disproportionately high survival of hominids andhominid genes favoring savanna-oriented behaviors. As evolutionproceeded, there was a build-up and strengthening of genes andgene-combinations further predisposing hominid populations to savannaconditions. Wilson believes that these innate savanna-orientedcharacteristics continue in populations of modern humans and that modernhumans are biophilically predisposed to responding favorably to savannaor savanna-like conditions. Certain embodiments of the present inventionare in accord with this belief of one of the most widely respected andacclaimed biologists in the world today.

In the aforementioned 1993 publication of Ulrich, Ulrich reportsevidence that simulations (including color photographs) of naturalenvironments elicit restorative and other positive responses from humanviewers and suggests that such simulations may serve as at least partialsubstitutes for real nature in terms of eliciting short-term restorativeresponses. Other scientific authorities are mentioned by Ulrich asproviding proof that the viewing of natural settings positively affectsthe viewer by reducing stress (confirmed by such central nervous systemindicators as blood pressure). This reporting by Ulrich is consistentwith the innate biophilic landscape affinity believed by Wilson tocharacterize modern humans. The work of Ulrich suggests that positive(biophilic) responses can be elicited from patients within a very shorttime after patient exposure to wall art showing spatially open serenenatural settings.

However, most attempts to reduce stress in a hospital or therapeuticsetting have been sound-oriented, wherein music or other sounds areelectronically delivered to a patient. Where visual images are used toaddress patient well being, the images are either displayed remotely ina far away picture frame, or in optically glare-producing video screens.

Among the earlier background art patents related to methods of patientrecovery are the following:

    ______________________________________                                        U.S. Pat. No.                                                                           Inventor    U.S. Pat. No.                                                                             Inventor                                    ______________________________________                                        3,140,709 Weisz       4,681,096   Cuervo                                      3,643,941 Kashar      4,762,131   Okuda                                       3,773,049 Rabichev et al.                                                                           4,763,428   Fischer                                     3,826,250 Adams       5,267,942   Saperston                                   4,047,377 Banks       5,289,438   Gall                                        4,082,918 Chang et al.                                                                              5,352,181   Davis                                       4,124,022 Gross       5,356,368   Monroe et al                                4,553,534 Stiegler    5,377,024   Dillinger                                   4,573,449 Warnke      5,403,263   Rodgers                                     4,640,267 Lawson      5,425,699   Spiegel                                                           5,433,223   Moore                                       ______________________________________                                    

The most relevant patents are U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,263 of Rodgers, for amethod of reducing the recovery time and stress associated with surgeryand U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,428 of Fischer for providing a nature scene in ahospital wall-mounted picture frame. Rodgers '263 describes a method toreduce hospital recovery time and stress by providing verbal voice-oversuggestions and soothing anxiolytic music before, during and aftersurgery. Fischer '428 describes the use of wall mounted pictures toassist in patient healing, but does not focus on what pictures to selectother than nature scenes in general.

Weisz (U.S. Pat. No. 3,140,709) describes a pain relieving apparatuswherein acoustical sounds such as music are fed through ear phones todivert a patient's attention from pain.

Rabichev et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,049) describe an electronicapparatus for treating neuropsychic and somatic disorders withrepetitive exposure of the patient to light, heat and sound radiationsources.

Banks (U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,377) discloses an electronic sleep promotionapparatus wherein a wide band audio frequency generator applies audioimpulses to a person.

Chang et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,918) describe an electronic audiodevice which provides analgesic sounds to dental patients.

Gross (U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,022) describes an electronic audio speaker inthe shape of a heart, which provides repetitive slow heartbeat sounds,to relax a person.

Kashar (U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,941) describes a relaxation chambercontaining a plurality of Styrofoam® balls to simulate movement of aperson within a swimming pool. Colored lights are projected upon theStyrofoam® balls to enhance the person's relaxation.

Adams (U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,250) discloses a relaxation chamber includinga lounge chair wherein lights and sounds are electronically provided toa resting person.

Steigler (U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,534) describes a stress-reducing helmetwith an eye shield, wherein electronic images and sounds are transmittedto the wearer.

Warnke (U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,449) describes a method for sleepenhancement and/or relaxation wherein a headphone generates electronicsound pulses, which are provided to an insomniac person to induce sleep.

Lawson (U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,267) and Cuervo (U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,096)both describe methods and associated devices to abate an infant'scrying, wherein electronic sounds or vibrations are scheduled forrepetitive introduction to the infant.

Gall (U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,438) discloses a consciousness-alteringapparatus for persons, wherein multiple sound stimuli are electronicallyprovided to a person.

Monroe (U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,368) describes a method and apparatus foraltering consciousness and inducing sleep by measuringelectroencephalogram (EEG) brain wave forms of a person during sleep orrelaxation, and using sounds to try and reproduce the sleep inducing orrelaxation-inducing brain waves of the person.

Dillinger (U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,024) describes an electronic colorforming image construction device.

Spiegel (U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,699) describes the use of electronicallyproduced sound waves to induce hypnosis in a person.

Okuda (U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,131) discloses an electronic nervestimulation including lights and sounds to treat paralytic patients.

Monroe et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,368) describe a method for predictingwhen a night-shift worker might lose alertness.

Saperston (U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,942) discloses the use of electronicallygenerated sounds to monitor optimal target heart rates in persons.

Davis (U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,181) describes a method and apparatus forinducing relaxation by providing verbal and musical sounds in ascendingand descending crescendos and phases, to stimulate relaxing alpha andbeta brain waves.

However, Rodgers '263 and most of the above noted background art patentsare directed to electronic sound generating devices to induce relaxationstates in users. Some of these devices, such as the embodiments of Okuda'131 and Kashar '941, involve the use of electronically generatedflashing lights to induce relaxing states of mind.

Furthermore, providing such a repetitive exposure of a patient to music,sounds and/or flashing lights has the disadvantage of being expensive toinstall and also may overstimulate the patient.

Moreover, these background art devices do not describe a method andapparatus for providing biophilic landscape images to hospital patientsto promote recovery.

Furthermore, the hospital room environment itself has the disadvantageof discouraging exposure of persons to pictures in general, becauseslidable fabric curtains are often drawn around the patient's bed,thereby hiding any wall-mountedpictures, such as described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,763,428 of Fisher, from the patient's view.

Fischer also discloses in an unpatented publication entitled "VisualTherapy" the displaying of one of many nature photography scenes in alight box or a lighted electronic video screen in a health care setting.However, the lighted images are subject to optical glare.

The background art of Fischer '428 and the Fischer "Visual Therapy"publication of visually oriented approaches to patient well being isaimed primarily at providing either a reusable lockable means, such as apicture frame, or a light box or video screen, to display pictures thatare only generally described as "having a therapeutic value", and"particularly well suited to visually involve, distract and occupy theattention of the viewer" of nature photography on the hospital roomwall. There is no specificity as to the theoretical basis for selectionof the nature photography; nor are any selection guidelines presented.

While a hospital curtain exhibits a large, convenient surface upon whichto display pictures, curtains have not been generally used to displayframed pictures, because the weight of a picture frame may distort thecurtain and/or because the rigid picture frame may be a hazardoushindrance obstructing egress in the vicinity of the curtain. Inaddition, light boxes and lighted video screens present otherelectricity related hazards.

Therefore, there is a need for a lightweight, flexible display means forpictures, which can be attached to a hospital curtain without distortingthe curtain and without obstructing egress to the patient in thevicinity of the curtain.

In fact, flexible removable pictures have mainly been provided withininfant cribs to protect an infant's safety, as noted in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,307,574 and 5,125,175 of Huff.

Moreover, imprinted photographic pictures cannot normally be displayedon fabrics, such as curtains, because the images fade with repeatedwashing of the fabric materials.

The technical challenges in providing such cubicle curtain-mountedimages include (1): Any fabric that is used must either be inherentlyfire retardant or specially topically treated to meet the fireretardancy standards as set forth in National Fire ProtectionAssociation (i.e., NFPA) Code 701. (2) The printing must produce imagesof sufficient high-resolution photo-realism and sufficient size (e.g.,four by five feet) to give the patient the perception of actually beingin a natural (i.e., biophilic-like) setting. (3) The photo-realisticimage must be printed on inherently fire retardant or treated fabric, ina manner that upholds the post-printing fire retardancy of the fabricand in a manner that enables the fabric to be laundered and disinfectedat the high water and drying temperatures required by hospital sanitarycodes and standards while maintaining the image quality of the picture.

High resolution, non-fading printing of photographic images on clothfabrics may be obtained by special printing processes, such as, forexample, sublimation printing. Sublimation printing produces imageswhich have high image resolution with much clarity and brilliance,without the visually disturbing effects of glare produced by light boxesor electronic screens, such as described in the Fischer "Visual Therapy"publication.

Among the background art describing sublimation printing include U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,460,871 of Andersen, 5,441,997 of Walsh, 5,389,493 of Asai,5,329,381 of Payne, 4,997,506 of Recher, and 4,804,977 of Long.

In sublimation printing, the coloring agents are subliminallytransferred to the fabric. Sublimation printers use sublimation powdersor printer ribbons to produce heat transfers, which release sublimationinks in a wide variety of distinctive colors, as noted in U.S. Pat. No.5,281,499 of Bussard.

Since the resolution quality is achieved with photographic imagesprinted on fabrics by sublimation printing, the fabrics can therefore befire retardant and washable, so that the fabrics can be laundered anddisinfected when washed at high water temperatures with cleaningproducts.

Reusable fabrics are also much easier to clean and maintain thancomplicated light boxes or electronic video screens, and are more easilyinterchangeable than heavy, wall mounted picture frames.

Therefore, the high water temperatures and cleaning products (which areneeded to bring fabrics up to hospital and other sanitary codes,) do notsubstantially diminish the high resolution and clarity of photographicimages produced by sublimation printing upon a fabric, such as hospitalcurtain material or another suitable fabric attachable to a hospitalcurtain. Moreover, these cleaning methods do not diminish the fireretardancy of the inherently fire retardant fabric.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a methodfor visually and biophilically promoting patient relaxation, before,during and/or after medical procedures, such as surgery or diagnostictesting.

It is also an object of the invention is to provide a method forvisually and biophilically reducing physical and/or psychologicalstress, promoting patient relaxation and expediting recovery in apatient before, during and/or after surgical or medical procedures in ahospital, medical or convalescent setting.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method for visually andbiophilically expediting recovery of a medical and/or surgical patient.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for visuallyand biophilically promoting surgical patient welfare in a hospital,medical or convalescent setting, or a like environment.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a method forvisually exposing a patient to biophilic savanna-like scenes asbiophilic stimuli before, during and/or after surgery and other medicalprocedures to promote relaxation, reduce patient stress and expeditepatient recovery.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide a method whichsupplements visual biophilic stimuli with sound, aromatic and/or otherstimuli for promoting medical patient relaxation, reducing patientstress and expediting patient recovery.

It is yet also an object of the present invention to provide aconvenient changeable visual display means for displaying one or morebiophilic pictures for which a predetermined patient has a biophilicaffinity, in a facility associated with performance of diagnostic,treatment or surgical procedures, or in rehabilitation and convalescentsettings.

It is a further object to provide such a visual display means tovisually expose a patient to one or more biophilic pictures before,and/or after performance of surgery or other procedures on the patient.

It is also an object to provide a means for patient choice in selectinga visual display; such choice promotes the patient's self-efficacy,which thereby reduces stress and which promotes health and well being.

It is yet a further object to provide a patient with a visual displaymeans with one or more biophilic pictures as biophilic stimuli forpromoting patient relaxation, for reducing physical and/or psychologicalpatient stress, and for expediting patient recovery time.

It is yet another object of the present invention to augment theforegoing visual exposure of patients to biophilic scenes by providingsound recordings conducive to causing patient relaxation.

It is a further object of the present invention to further augment theforegoing visual exposure of patients to biophilic scenes by alsoproviding therapeutic aromatic materials to the patient.

It is yet another object to provide a method of promoting patientrecovery while the patient is in a hospital bed by displaying thebiophilic pictures on a structural surface such as a vertically drapedcurtain substantially near the bed, wherein the picture is positioned toallow the patient to readily and comfortably view the biophilic picture.

It is yet another object to improve over the disadvantages of thebackground art directed toward complicated electronic sound-orientedrelaxation devices for surgical, medical and other patients.

It is yet another object to improve over the disadvantages of thebackground art directed toward expensive, optical glare-producinglighted electronic screen displays of pictures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In keeping with these objects and others which may become apparent, thepresent invention provides a method of relaxing a patient in a healthcare, hospital or convalescent setting, by providing a patient with achoice of selecting for viewing one or more high resolution spatiallyopen, serene natural landscape scenes to which the patient is believedto have an innate positive (biophilic) affinity, upon a fabric framedisplay member mounted upon a flexible wall partition, such as ahospital curtain. In one embodiment, the spatially open, serene naturallandscape scene is a savanna-type landscape or a like scene to whichhumans are believed to have a biophilic affinity.

A biophilic landscape picture of the present invention is printedpreferably on a flexible fabric by a high resolution sublimationprinting process, wherein an image is first scanned into a computer andthen transformed by state-of-the-art technology to the fabric, such asdescribed in the "Background of the Invention" herein. The image mayalso be printed directly on all or a portion of a hospital curtainitself.

Because of hospital safety protocol and safety codes (such as what isreferred to as "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701" codes),the fabric must either be inherently flame retardant or speciallytreated to meet protocol or code requirements.

Moreover, in accord with hospital sanitary protocol, the fabric sheetpieces and inks thereon should be washable and durable to heated washingstandards of 160° F. so that any infectious organisms thereon areeradicated.

The printing produces substantially glare-free photorealistic images ofsufficient size (e.g. four by five feet) to give the patient theperception of actually being in a natural (i.e., biophilic) setting.Printing the photorealistic image is accomplished on inherently fireretardant or treated fabric in a manner that upholds the post-printingfire retardancy of the fabric and that enables the fabric to belaundered and disinfected at the required high water and dryingtemperatures required by hospital sanitary codes and standards withoutsubstantially degrading the image quality of the picture.

On a reverse side of the fabric one or more fastening means, such asstrips of hook-and-loop-type fasteners, sold under the trade name ofVELCRO®, are attached. Corresponding strips of hook-and-loop typefasteners are attached to a portion of a hospital room curtain which atleast partly encloses a hospital patient's bed. Other conventionalfasteners such as snaps, safety pins, clips, etc., may be substituted oradditionally employed.

By attaching the fabric picture to the patient-facing side of thehospital curtain, the biophilic landscape picture can remain visible tothe targeted patient in the bed even when the curtain is contracted.

During visiting hours, when the curtain is normally partially expanded,the landscape picture can be left visible on a portion of the curtain.

Preferably, the picture should be attached so that it is visible at thefoot of the patient's bed, within the patient's line of vision.

In conjunction with exposure of the patient to the spatially open,serene natural landscape picture, the patient may be provided withsoothing natural sounds appropriate to the landscape picture and/or mildaromatic odors reminiscent of natural aromas associated with thelandscape picture.

In selecting a spatially open, serene natural landscape for the patientto view, it is important that the patient not be exposed toover-exciting or anxiety producing landscape scenes, (which mayunconsciously raise the stress level of the patient and/or may affectthe visual and auditory nerve balance mechanisms of the patient).Therefore, selection of the biophilic visual image to be conveyed to thepatient preferably encompasses selection of spatially open, serenelandscape scenes which are substantially the same as, or similar to, thearchetypal savanna-typ.e landscape scenes, suggested by Ulrich, Wilsonand other scientific authorities on biophilia.

The subjects of a biophilic scene, or other spatially open, serene,natural landscapes must be carefully chosen and the natural scenesshould be selected in relation to the most recent relevant environmentalpsychology research (such as defined by Ulrich). Although pre-datingboth the 1984 seminal work by Wilson and the subsequent 1993 publicationof Ulrich, an example of environmental psychology methodology researchon differential human perceptions of varying outdoor scenes is the 1974work of Shafer and Richards entitled "A Comparison of Viewer Reactionsto Outdoor Scenes and Photographs of These Scenes", (Shafer et al.,1974, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service Research Paper No.NE-302, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, Forest Service,U.S.D.A., Upper Darby, Pa.)

In the Shafer and Richards study, eight different types of outdoorscenes were shown to viewers in three different modes: (i) on-siteviewing of the actual scenes; (ii) viewing color transparencies of thescenes; and (iii) viewing color photographic prints of the scenes.Viewer responses to each scene were compared statistically andgeographically to determine which outdoor scenes had more positiveeffects on the viewers.

Upon selection of the picture to be displayed to the patient, it shouldbe conveniently displayed, such as on the hospital curtain, as notedbefore.

However, other embodiments of the present invention include other visualdisplay means not previously described in this application. One suchother kind of embodiment is a wall or ceiling mountable, roll-up-ableand roll-down-able screen depicting a spatially open, serene naturallandscape scene (preferably a biophilic savanna-type scene).

Unlike the generalized nature photography described in Fischer '428 andthe Fischer "Visual Therapy" publication, the present invention appliesthe latest research findings and theory in the behavioral and naturalsciences to the selection and installation of appropriate naturephotography scenes in hospital rooms and other convalescent settings. Itdoes so in a manner that creates a simulated natural environment topromote the hospitalized patient's recovery.

The selection of healing and recovery-promoting natural landscape scenesrequires knowledge of the latest research findings concerning the healtheffects of viewing biophilic nature scenes, since not all naturallandscape scenes have a therapeutic affect. In fact, uninformed,improper or inappropriate picture selection has been shown to havedeleterious effects on patients, disturbing them rather than promotingtheir healing.

What is essential in the selection process is that the visual stimulinot merely tend to "involve, distract and occupy the attention of theviewer" but that such elicited patient responses promote the patient'shealing and recovery. The present invention reflects an understanding ofhow to stimulate such viewer-based recovery responses because it isbased on a firm foundation of the latest research findings andtheoretical research focusing on the biophilic effects of viewing natureon human health outcomes. This research, by Wilson, Heerwagen, Orians,and Ulrich et al informs the user of the appropriate method of selectionof recovery-promoting biophilic natural landscape scenes.

Merely placing a picture on a hospital room wall whether in a frame, alight box or a video screen, is not sufficient to promote patientrecovery. The Fischer '428 background art on hospital room walls islocated at too remote a distance from the patient to promote thepatient's perception of being in the environment represented by thepicture. Moreover, while the Fischer "Visual Therapy" publicationdescribes the lighted depiction of large photographs from light boxes orvideo screens, the light emitking features of the light boxes or videoscreens may produce unwanted optical glare.

Furthermore, viewing of wall mounted light boxes and video screens canbe obstructed by fabric hospital curtains drawn between a patient and ahospital room wall.

Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention is distinguished fromthe background art by providing very large sized high resolution photorealistic biophilic natural landscape scenes that, by being printed onflexible fabric, enable these scenes to be removably mounted on thepatient's bedside cubicle privacy curtain in the patient's directline-of-sight at the foot of the bed, thereby providing the patient withan immediately close-up simulated natural visual environment.

Since wall-mounted art described in the background art has thedisadvantage of being obscured from the patient's view whenever thecubicle curtain is drawn to provide privacy to the patient, the patientis therefore caused to have to choose to either have personal privacy orto be able to view the wall-mounted photography.

With the above-described embodiment of the current invention, thepatient no longer has to suffer the above described dilemma. It providesthe patient with an opportunity to choose one or more preselectedbiophilic scenes that, by virtue of their placement on the cubiclecurtain, can be viewed at the discretion of the patient any hour of theday or night without the glare of a video screen or the remoteness of awall mounted frame. With the embodiment of the present invention thepatient is not forced to choose between having personal privacy orviewing wall-mounted nature photography.

On the contrary, with this embodiment of the present invention thepatient is able to enjoy the benefit of (or exercise the choice ofhaving) personal privacy while simultaneously having the opportunity toview selected restorative biophilic nature photography.

An additional embodiment of the latter-described embodiment augments thevisual dimension of the environment with complementary audio recordingsof biophilic sounds appropriate and specific to each scene. Stillanother embodiment augments the visual and audio stimuli with aromaticscents that are appropriate and specific to each scene.

Also, the method of the present invention may allow (after a set ofspatially open serene natural landscape scenes is selected by thepatient's care giver) the patient to select one or more of these scenes.This alternative variation permits patients to exercise choice, therebyimproving the patient's self-efficacy and ultimate recovery.

Moreover, the biophilic or other spatially open, natural serenelandscape scenes may be visually displayed substantially glare-free inother medical or convalescent environments, such as in the offices ofhealth practitioners, (e.g., physicians, dentists, acupuncturists,chiropractors, and physical therapists). Other appropriate settingsinclude diagnostic rooms at hospitals, adult day care centers, otherinstitutional settings and/or at a private residence (such as where aninfirm person might be confined to a particular room for extendingperiods of time while recovering from illness or surgery).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can best be understood in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hospital room setting of a preferredembodiment of the method of biophilically enhancing patient welfare.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a biophilic landscape image on aflexible fabric display used with the method and apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view in cross-section of the flexiblefabric displUmy shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of roll-up-able and roll-down-abledevice for displaying another spatially open natural landscape image.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a roll-up-able and roll-down-abledevice for displaying a still further spatially open natural landscapeimagery including a substantially serene hydric feature.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hospital room setting of anotherembodiment of the present invention, showing a larger biophiliclandscape image on a flexible fabric display.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment of thepresent invention, showing a ceiling mounted-biophilic landscape image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-8 depict a method and apparatus for promoting patientrelaxation, for reducing physical and/or psychological patient stress,and/or for expediting patient recovery, before, during and/or aftermedical procedures, such as surgery.

The preferred method includes the steps of providing a changeable visualdisplay device 10, 40, 50, 70 or 80 for displaying one or moreappropriately selected spatially open, serene natural landscape pictures12, 42, 52, 72 or 82 for which a predetermined patient, such aspredetermined patient 14, 74 or 84, has a predisposed affinity.

Preferably, a biophilic picture such as picture 12, 42 or 72 isutilized. Other spatially open, serene natural landscape pictures, withspecific landscape physiognomy criteria, such as picture 52 may also beused.

In FIG. 1, changeable visual display device 10 is provided in a facilityassociated with performance of surgical procedures, such as hospitalroom 16 having walls 30. Changeable visual display device 10 is used tovisually expose predetermined patient 14 to one or more appropriatelyselected spatially open natural landscape pictures, such as biophilicpicture 12, printed on display device 10, which display device 10 issubstantially optically glare-free and removably attachable to astructure, such as hospital curtain 28, before, during and/or afterperformance of surgery or other medical procedures on patient 14.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the visual display 70 of biophilicpicture 72 may be large, such as four feet in height by five feet inwidth or larger, and may take up a substantial portion of viewingportion of hospital curtain 78 in room 95, so that patient 74 mayconcentrate on viewing biophilic image 72 without eyestrain produced bydistant wall-mounted pictures or large, glare producing lighted imagesfrom light boxes or other electronic video screens. Moreover, the entirecurtain may have a biophilic picture printed directly thereon.

As shown in FIG. 8, for patients who are immobilized in a substantiallysupine position, instead of upon curtain 88, biophilic image 82 upondisplay 80 may be provided upon the ceiling of room 96.

As respectively shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, patient 14, 74 or 84 isvisually exposed to at least one visual picture, such as biophilic image12, 72 or 82 upon visually proximate and substantially glare-freedisplay device 10, 70 or 80, as biophilic stimuli for neurologically andbiophilically promoting in patient 14, 74 or 84 the sequelae effects ofrelaxation, reduction of physical and/or psychological stress, and/oracceleration of patient recovery time.

Additionally and synergistically, recordings of sounds conducive tocausing patient relaxation, such as audio cassette tape 19, (or acompact disc) may be played on audio player device 18, which preferablyis a device of the type including audio tape players and compact discplayers, through speaker 20, such as amplified speakers, headphone orpillow speakers. Speaker 20 is connected to audio player device 18 byaudio-signal-transmitting cable 22, or by suitable wirelesscommunication means or other means, for producing sounds 21.

Playing the sound recordings on audio player device 18 causes the sounds21 to be heard by patient 14 and augments patient 14's exposure tobiophilic image 12 of display 10, thereby contributing to biophilicrelaxation and ultimate recovery of patient 14. The recorded soundspreferably are natural sounds appropriate to the content of biophilicpicture 12. Alternately, audible or subliminal healing promoting verbalsuggestions or electronic sounds may be provided in conjunction with theviewing of the subject matter of biophilic picture 12 upon flexibledisplay 10 mounted to curtain 28 or other suitable mounting means.

FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively show sounds 79 or 89 entering hospital rooms95 and 96 through speakers 77 or 87 upon respective walls 97 or 98, fromremotely located audio player devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, further additionally and synergistically therapeuticaromatic vapors 25 may be optionally emitted from aromatic vapordispenser 24 so as to argument the positive effect of viewing ofbiophilic picture 12 by patient 14. Alternatively as shown in FIGS. 7and 8, respective aromatic vapors 75 and 85 may be emitted throughrespective vents 73 and 83 from sites remote from respective rooms 95and 96.

Visual display device 10, which contains biophilic picture 12, isremovably mounted on a structural surface, such as hospital curtain 28,substantially near patient 14 in bed 26 in hospital room 16. Biophilicpicture 12 is strategically situated in hospital room 16 so that patient14 can comfortably view biophilic picture 12 substantially withoutdistraction and in an substantially glare-free environment. The presenceof hospital curtain 28 helps prevent or reduce such distraction fromnonbiophilic visual sources, such as hospital room wall 30, or fromlighted, optically glare-producing light boxes or video screens.

Moreover, additional biophilic pictures may be provided on otherviewable portions of curtain 28, such as to the left or right side ofpatient 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, preferred biophilic picture 12 depicts asavanna-type landscape scene. Biophilic picture 12 is appropriatelyselected from a scrutinized set of pictures, and includes a wide,preferably blue, sky portion 12a beginning along and extending abovedistant horizon line 12b. Horizon line 12b separates sky portion 12afrom savanna-type vegetation comprising substantially herbaceousunderstory of plant life 12c (preferably grasses, sedges and the like)under a relatively open canopy formed by substantially widely spacedtrees 12d, and/or tree clusters 12e.

Although depiction of water is not shown in the preferred embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2, in the alternative, FIG. 5 shows display device 50 ofshade-like material 52m with picture 52 including a spatially opennatural landscape and tranquil water body 52f.

To prevent or reduce undesirable stimulation of the imagination or thebalance of patient 14, negatively exciting or anxiety producinglandscapes are avoided in selecting biophilic picture 12. In addition,distracting display means, such as optically glare-producing videoscreens are avoided.

As noted previously, according to Ulrich and Wilson, human beings arebelieved to be genetically pre-disposed to favor views of savanna-typescenes with a particular vegetation physiognomy, such as shown inbiophilic picture 12, because the environmental scene shown thereinresembles savanna-type landscape conditions under which naturalselection pressures promoted evolutionary differentiation of the genusHomo from paleoanthropoids.

Therefore, appropriate standards of selecting landscape scenes withparticular vegetation physiognomy are used to narrow the field of theappropriate pictures to choose from.

As shown in FIG. 3, display device 10 displays, on front side 10a,biophilic picture 12 printed on fire retardant flexible panel of fabricmaterial 12m. Rear side 10b of display device 10 is attached to curtain28 by conventional fasteners, such as hoop-and-loop fastener 10h,corresponding to hook-and-loop fastener 28h attached to front side 28aof curtain 28 also having rear side 28b, which curtain 28 can be made offabric or synthetic resins. Alternatively, fastener snaps pins (notshown) or other fastener devices may be employed to attach a displaydevice to a flexible curtain, such as curtain 28, or another kind ofstructure, (such as ceiling 81 or curtain 88 in hospital room 96, shownin FIG. 8) or a wall or other like structure.

If a person is convalescing at home without a hospital curtain, thevisual display means may include a picture frame, wherein biophilicpicture 12 is mountable in the frame, as long as the size of the pictureis increased to provide an intimate, proximate setting of the selectedpicture in the patient's room.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, display device 40includes roll-up-able and roll-down-able shade-like material 42m whichis substantially rollable about an inner spindle (not shown) withinsupport cylinder 45 wherein spatially open natural landscape picture 42is adhered to roll-up-able and roll-down-able shade-like material 42m.

In a further alternate display embodiment shown in FIG. 5, displaydevice 50 is also roll-up-able and roll-down-able shade like material52m, which is substantially rollable about an inner-spindle (not shown)within support cylinder 55, wherein further spatially open, serenenatural landscape picture 52, also showing tranquil hydric water body52f, is displayed on roll-up-able and roll-down-able shade like material52m.

FIG. 6 represents a flow chart of the steps of one embodiment of themethod of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the medical patient isrepresented by reference numeral 60. Step 62 represents a care-giver'sselection of a distinct, limited set of appropriate visual images orsounds, such as pictures 12, 42, 52, 72 or 82 or sounds 21, 79 or 89 toestablish generic patient needs criteria for a variety of patients, suchas, for example, patient 60. Step 61 involves a comprehensive review ofmedical condition of a particular patient, such as, for example, patient60, to determine the appropriateness of providing one or more spatiallyopen, serene natural landscapes from the distinct set for viewing bypatient 60 in an intimate setting. A further selection process includesselecting on parallel tracks the appropriate visual image 66 and relatedaudio program 63 for the patient 60.

In the selection process, step 66 involves selecting a visual image,such as biophilic picture 12 by the care-giver, to select a set of aplurality of images (such as pictures 12, 42, 52, 72 or 82) appropriatefor patient 60.

Step 660 of the selection process involves thereafter allowing patient60 to select which image or images patient 60 wants to view, if any. Theexercise of selecting one or more images 12, 42, 52, 72 or 82 by patient60 is important for bolstering patient 60's feeling of self efficacy,which promotes health and well being, and enhances the recovery process.

Similarly, in step 63 for selection of an appropriate audio program, aset of sounds is first selected by the care-giver, and then in step 630patient 60 is given the option of which audio program patient 60 wantsto hear, or whether or not to hear the audio program at all.

The next steps 64 and/or 67 concern the respective functions of loadingthe audio program 19 into an audio player device 18 for playing sounds21, 79 or 89 on speaker 20 to patient 60 and the appropriate positioningof picture 12, 42, 52, 72 or 82 in a substantially optimal location andin a substantially glare-free optical environment for viewing by patient60.

The respective final steps 65 and/or 68 include playing the loaded audioprogram 19 to patient 60 through player 18 and speaker 20, inconjunction with exposing patient 60 to picture 12, 42, 52, 72 or 82 fora period of time.

As shown in FIG. 6, the process is periodically renewed, since themedical condition of patient 60 is updated in step 69. Therefore, instep 61 patient 60's needs criteria are periodically reviewed andupdated. Moreover, the exercise of choice by patient 60 in the selectionsteps 630, 660 is updated as well, so that patient can terminate eitherthe playing of audio program 19 and/or the viewing of picture 12, 42,52, 72 or 82 at will.

In summary, the present invention includes a method of biophilicallypromoting patient welfare, by exposing a patient to a preferablyconveniently mounted, substantially optically glare-free biophilicpictorial landscape image to which human beings are believed to begenerally genetically predisposed to viewing favorably, so as tobiophilically induce relaxation, reduce stress and/or promotepostsurgical recovery. The beneficial effects of providing thelandscapes image may be augmented by providing the patient with soothingnatural sounds or aromas.

Display materials, having a biophilic pictorial landscape image affixedthereto by substantially glare-free high resolution sublimationprinting, can be removably or changeably mounted as a convenientremovable flexible and lightweight display member, to a hospital curtainor other structure so as to substantially maximize exposure of a patientto the biophilic image in an intimate, substantially glare-freeenvironment.

It is also important that the pictures be removable, so that the patientcan exercise choice in selecting the picture to be viewed, and therebyimprove the patient's self efficacy and self esteem.

It is also known that other modifications may be made to the presentinvention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,as noted in the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. Apparatus for promoting patient relaxation and reducingpatient stress in a health care setting comprising:a bedroom containinga bed adapted to support a patient, said room having a flexible curtainforming a movable enclosure around said bed within the room, a visualdisplay member of fire retardant fabric construction to eliminate glaremounted on said flexible curtain and located so that said visual displaymember is visible at the foot of said bed within the line of vision ofsaid patient, said visual display member having a display on a surfacefacing said patient, said display being a savanna-type landscapecontaining imagery designed to create relaxation, reduce stress andexpedite recovery of said patient, said display being produced on saidfire retardant fabric by a high resolution sublimation printing processresulting in said display and fire retardant fabric being washable anddurable to heated washing standards of 160 deg. F. so that anyinfectious organisms thereon are eradicated, and means for attaching andpermitting ready removal of said visual display member to and from saidflexible curtain for washing.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1,said apparatus further comprising:an audio player and a recording ofnature-imitating sounds which can be positioned so as to delivernature-imitating sounds to said patient when said patient is in areclining position on said bed.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1,said apparatus further comprising a means for delivering aromas ofaromatic materials to said patient.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim1, wherein said fire retardant fabric is removably attachable to asurface of said flexible curtain by hook-and-loop fasteners, which saidhook-and-loop fasteners are parts of said means for attaching.
 5. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said visual display memberincludes a roll-up-able and roll-dom-able curtain and wherein saiddisplay is imprinted on said curtain.
 6. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 4, wherein said display includes biophilic landscape imagerysuggesting environments in which the evolutionary differentiation ofHomo sapiens from ancestral paleoanthropoids is believed to haveoccurred.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said biophiliclandscape imagery includes imagery of vegetation dominated by arelatively low herbaceous understory and a relatively widely spaced treecanopy.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality ofdifferent biophilic spatially open natural landscape pictures areprovided to the patient for choosing at least one of said pictures.